As unpleasant as it may be, the smaller manatee is trying to mate with the dead one, which is tethered to the dock so that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can pick it up to perform a necropsy.

“It is not uncommon for male manatees to do this, as the female still has an attractive scent to them, even after she has passed away,” deWit said.

Baby manatee clinging to its dead mother – this is a result of the water releases from Lake O. Do we want Rick Scott to have 6 more years in office? Elect people to Congress that care about Florida's environment, people, and economy. #ToddJTruaxforCongresspic.twitter.com/InxmayYWCp

FLORIDA ALGAE CRISIS: This heartbreaking image shows a baby manatee clinging to its dead mother. Her death appears to have been caused by toxic algae in the water near the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Toxic blue green algae is impacting large swaths of Florida. Photo: Niki Padilla. pic.twitter.com/FdyG98k2MK

That’s the highest number for this time of year since 2013 when 694 manatees died through mid-July. By the end of 2013, more than 800 manatees were dead, topping the previous record of 766 set in 2010 during a lengthy cold snap.

Just eight of the deaths were in Palm Beach County, with half related to boats or other human interactions. By far the highest number if manatee deaths were in Lee County where 109 died, 52 of which were ruled natural. Red tide-related deaths are categorized as natural.

Storm 2016

About the Author

Kim Miller is the weather reporter for The Palm Beach Post.

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